City of Toronto acquires Green Lane Landfill

by NationTalk onApril 4, 2007718 Views

April 3, 2007

The City of Toronto has officially acquired the Green Lane Landfill, securing the city’s long term disposal requirements for future decades. The $220.3 million purchase was finalized today as First Nations communities in the area agreed to a community benefit trust that includes 4% of gross revenue, as well as future benefits of new diversion facilities that may be constructed on site at $4 per tonne.

Similar community benefit agreements are already in place with Southwold Township, Central Elgin and the City of St. Thomas.In September last year, City Council authorized staff to proceed with the acquisition of the landfill site, southwest of Toronto. The City will begin fully using the site in 2011, when its contract to ship waste to Michigan comes to an end.

“I’m pleased that we have reached this point and we have been able to secure a location for Toronto’s landfill needs for the long term,” said Mayor David Miller. “Our agreements with the First Nations communities ensure that we will have an operation that is environmentally sound, while allowing the city to be respectful of all our neighbours.”

“The agreement we’ve made today goes far beyond financial arrangements,” said Chief Randall Phillips of the Oneida of the Thames band. “The agreement provides a good base for the people of the Oneida to deal with potential issues related to the operation of the landfill.

“The City’s negotiators were instrumental in getting to this agreement and their understanding of First Nations’ diversity was essential in reaching this settlement and I applaud their efforts.”

Added Chief Kelly Riley of the Chippewa of the Thames band: “We are pleased to be working with the City of Toronto and look forward to a mutually beneficial process. Our primary goal is protection of the environment and with like-minded people we can make a fundamental difference in this world.”

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.